Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case caused a massive agitation across both India and neighbouring country Pakistan over the past few weeks. Jadhav, who was running a business in Iran, was criticized of being a spy by Pakistan and was also recently sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.
Constantly fighting in Jadhav’s corner is senior advocate named Harish Salve, who has been arguing the case in support of Jadhav at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, the Netherlands. For the unversed, Salve is one of the most reputed and expensive lawyers in the world.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had recently brought to light that he has been charging only Re. 1 for fighting Jadhav’s case.
It was only last week that India went up to the international court to challenge the death sentence given to Jadhav. In fact, this move is the first one in the last 45 years. India felt that it was necessary given that it was a matter of life or death for an Indian citizen.
According to NDTV, Salve said, “The basic rights of Jadhav were thrown to the winds. The situation is grave, it is urgent, and hence, we approached this court at such short notice.”
Salve also highlighted how the trial in Pakistan was unjust, mentioning that the verdict was given without a piece of evidence. Abducted from Iran, Jadhav was denied consular access over 16 times and was given a lawyer before the trial was to conclude.
Harish Salve, who is one of the most reputed advocates in India, was also a Solicitor General of the country between the years 1999 and 2002. Born in the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra in 1956. He completed his graduation in commerce and then became a chartered accountant.
As per Dainik Bhaskar, he was then inspired by Indian lawmaker and economist Nanabhoy Palkhivala to become a lawyer. He started his legal career in 1980 and went on to battle so many high profile cases his productive career.
Salve had previously fought on the behalf of Mukesh Ambani over Krishna Godavari gas basin case between the Ambani brothers. Besides Ambani, Salve has also fought for other high profile clients such as ITC Limited, the Tata Group, and even the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Harish is one of the most reputed and expensive lawyers globally. His touching and noble gesture in taking up this case at just a negligible fee to make sure that an Indian’s life is saved is indeed worth applauding.